Chair urges more action on marine plastics
9 January 2018
On Tuesday 9 January, the Environmental Audit Committee recommended ban on the manufacture of products containing plastic microbeads will come into force. This ban follows the Committee's inquiry and report into the ‘Environmental impact of microplastics'.
- Inquiry: Environmental impact of microplastics
- Inquiry: Disposable Packaging: Coffee Cups and Plastic Bottles
Mary Creagh MP, Chair of the Committee, said:
“Our seas are choked with massive quantities of polluting microplastics, which absorb chemicals, are eaten by wildlife and enter the food chain.
“Microbeads in cosmetics are an avoidable part of the problem, which is why we called for a ban.
“This is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done. Since we called for a ban, my committee has also recommended a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles, a latte levy for plastic-lined coffee cups and reforms to make producers responsible for their packaging. We look forward to hearing the Government's response.”
Further information
Image: Flickr-circle-face-microplastics-beach